How to become a Systems Administrator?

Hello Everybody. I'd like to become a Systems Administrator. This is what I have been doing so far: A.S. degree in Comuters Systems, 7 years as Desktop Support Level 2 Analyst (harware, desktops laptops, printers) and (software, OS, windows 7, 8) AD tools users and computers (move machine name between containers, apply GP, reset passowrd, identify security groups) asset management, little VB scripting, A+, Network+, Security +, MCP, and MCTS Windows 7. I am currently going for MCSA 2008 Server and going for the upgrade to MCSA 2012>MSCE 2012. I took the 70-640 and failed...planning to retake in 1 month. Any advice on what to learn,what practices to start, and training to become a systems administrator? Thank you!

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That's actually a pretty good background already, so you need to figure out what specific activities you like doing and if you want to be a generalist or specialize in something - then find a company with an opening for a Junior System Admin. If you are still at the Desktop Support position, ask the System Admins there what they do and if they need help.

Servers, storage & networking are good to know; anti-virus and security, backups, UPS, anti-malware devices like email & web filters, VPN devices & clients, system management tools like Microsoft System Center/What's Up Gold/Spiceworks/Solarwinds/ManageEngine. You could also focus on the software side of things - every company seems to have SQL, Exchange for an email admin, IIS/LAMP if you like websites, SharePoint can do lots of different things, CRM/ERP systems seem to require a lot of work to implement and maintain.

I agree with Mike. You've got a pretty good resume thus far, I'd call you in for an interview as a Jr Admin. Once you get your MCSA you should be good to go, but keep pushing for the MCSE, as I think there are enough MCSEs that MCSAs don't get love.

I would also add that if I had it to do again I would avoid being a generalist and focus on developing a specialty. The reason is that as a general admin/engineer you tend to get called all the time for everything that goes wrong, and you don't make quite as much in pay. If you become, say an Exchange Admin, you will only get called if the Exchange server goes down and you'll make more money. That means that if you keep the Exchange server up you can enjoy your evenings and weekends.

i'd agree with the rest. though I learned much more by taking on and
researching, it really depends on if you are in for the money or just pure
enjoyment.
since i'm making less money than a specialist but have the background of
(actually the main go to guy) for vpn, xchange, gpo, server and desktop,
switch, routers, app dev, san/ v app, sql, bkup, pacs/ medical equipment,
vuln and pen testing for all mentioned, and still love it. only because no
one wants to take it on. linux bk ground is definitely a must have though.
but nothing beats the will to learn and the capacity to retain along with
the love for the field.

Thank you everyone for your replies. I am currently studying for 70-640. examnotes is a great site. Also I am going to try to practice the skill sets everyone mentioned here as much as I can at work to feel like a sys admin and a small network at home....YES!!!!!